Tempting Thailand

breeanna — Wed, 8 Sep 2010 23:09:00 GMT

These photos tell the story of my first overseas experience.

In February, 2010 I flew to Thailand for two weeks where I visited Bangkok and Phuket. I flew into Bangkok first and stayed for four days. Then flew to Phuket and stayed for the remainder of the two weeks

On the first day of my tours we visited the Floating Markets in Bangkok. This was a great experience. The crowds of tourists and locals was amazing and shopping from a boat was very different to the way I'm use to shopping. I bought so much and also had a drink from a coconut. Not exactly my favourite refreshment. The floating markets were my favourite shopping experience in Thailand.

Also on the first day I visited the Grand Palace. Amazing! The details in the temples and other buildings is unbelievable. The amount of effort that must go into each building is astonishing. There was one building there (pictured) that was covered in millions of tiny gold tiles.

On the second day of touring I went on a cruise of the River Kwai and the Bridge over the River Kwai. The water was so still and calm. a perfect photo opportunity. But the best part of this tour was the history. I went to a WWII museum on the bank of the river. It was very interesing to learn about how the Prisoners of War were treated and to learn that the POW actually built the Bridge over the River Kwai.

On the fifth day I flew into Phuket and on the sixth day I went elephant trekking. I was driven way up into the jungle. I met my elephant, Maki, and fell inlove with her. She was beautiful. She took me through the breathtaking environment with the exquisite mountains surrounding me and the calming rapids. I didn't want to leave her.

On day seven I went on a tour of the Phi Phi Islands, or James bond Island. They were absolutely stunning. Giant jagged rocks poking randomly out of the water and sand made of tiny shells and pebbles. If it wasn't so well known by the tourists it may have been a very quiet, relaxing beach. After walking around one of the islands for a bit, I was taken on a canoe ride around the islands. The person paddling took me to all these hidden, secluded places in the rocks. A couple of times taking me through a tiny opening in the rocks that would open up into this magnificent open area.

I loved Thailand, and still miss it. The people were very friendly, the shopping was great, the food was better and the beaches so warm. Hopefully I will be able to save up and go back some day.

My Photo scholarship 2010 entry

breeanna — Wed, 8 Sep 2010 00:52:00 GMT

My name is Bree-Anna Plater, I'm 20 years old and earlier this year I travelled to Thailand. It was my first overseas experience, and I loved it! It was hard to pick just five photos to represent my journey. The first photo I chose is of the floating markets in Bangkok. I chose this photo because I think it shows a great example of how many Thai people earn a living. It also reminds me of how exciting it was bartering and shopping in such a crowded place. The second photo I picked is of Phra Siratana Chedi at the Grand Palace, Bangkok. I chose this photo because I love the angle on which it was taken. It makes the building look larger than it is. I also think it is very interesting that it is covered in many tiny gold tiles. The third photo is of the River Kwai. I chose this photo because I think it is beautiful. I love how the mountains are reflecting off the still, calm water. Stunning! There was also a lot of history to go with the River Kwai that I found rather interesting. Photo four is one I took when we went on an elephant trek in the mountains of Phuket. I chose this photo because I loved the surroundings. The water rapids, the mountains around us and the jungle. So calming. Photo five I took when we visited the Phi Phi Islands. I saw this boat pulled up on the sand and had to get a photo. I think its a great photo, with the mountains in the background, the calm water and even the small detail of the ribbons tied to the front of the boat. When I look at all these photos they remind me of how amazing and culturally different Thailand is to my own country. Looking at the photos makes me truly miss Thailand. *All these photos were taken with a simple digital camera.